Croatia has modern, good-quality highways that quickly and safely link its tourist spots with the rest of Europe.
Built continuously over the last 20 years, these highways have changed Croatia, making it easier for tourists to explore and reaching many new places. Besides the toll highways, there are also well-kept state and regional roads leading to interesting destinations. Remember to follow traffic rules and speed limits for everyone’s safety, especially during busy summer times.
Important Documents:
If you want to drive in Croatia, you need a valid driving license from Croatia, another country, or an international license. Carry it with you, along with the vehicle registration certificate. Don’t leave the registration certificate in the car without you.
Cars and trailers must be registered and have a valid certificate. But, if a vehicle is insured and has temporary license plates, it doesn’t need regular registration.
Drivers with foreign registrations entering Croatia must have valid international car insurance or another proof of insurance. The official license plate of the vehicle and a valid Green Card are examples of proof.
Driving Rules and Safety
Follow these speed limits:
50 km/h in towns
90 km/h outside towns
10 km/h on major roads
130 km/h on highways
80 km/h for certain vehicles
Other rules:
Use dipped headlights in winter.
Don’t use your phone while driving.
Always wear your seatbelt.
Keep a reflective jacket in your car and wear it if you’re outside doing something like changing a tire.
Gas Stations:
Cities and highways have gas stations open 24/7, offering different types of fuel.
Highway Toll Costs:
Find information on websites like www.hak.hr. It tells you how much you’ll need to pay.
Avoiding Traffic Jams:
Check traffic conditions before you travel with HAK (HAK Information Centre: 072 777 777 or +385 1 464 0800 for calls from abroad) or on www.hak.hr. The HAK smartphone app gives real-time traffic reports. You can also listen to traffic updates in Croatian, English, and German on the radio during your journey.
Motorways in Croatia
Motorways in Croatia are marked with the letter A (croatian: Autoceste). Currently, in Croatia there are 13 motorway sections named A1 to A13. There are following sections:
A1 – Motorway: Zagreb (Lučko) – Split – Dubrovnik
A2 – Motorway: Macelj (border crossing with Slovenia) – Zagreb (Jankomir)
A3 – Motorway: Bregana (border crossing with Slovenia) – Zagreb – Lipovac (border crossing with Serbia)
A4 – Motorway: Goričan (border crossing with Hungary) – Zagreb (Ivanja Reka)
A5 – Motorway: Branjin Vrh (border crossing with Hungary) – Svilaj (border crossing with Bosnia and Herzegovina)
A6 – Motorway: Bosiljevo – Rijeka (Orehovica)
A7 – Motorway: Rupa (border crossing with Slovenia) – Rijeka – Žuta Lokva
A8 – Motorway: Kanfanar – Matulji
A9 – Motorway: Kaštel (border crossing with Slovenia) – Umag – Pula
A10 – Motorway: Ploce – Metković (near a border crossing Nova Sela – Bijaći with Bosnia and Herzegovina)
A11 – Motorway: Zagreb (Jakuševec) – Sisak
A12 – Motorway: Sveta Helena – Gola (border crossing with Hungary)
A13 – Motorway: Vrbovec – Terezino Polje (border crossing with Hungary)
The total network of Croatian motorways and expressways with toll is 1288.5 kilometers long. Some motorways are completed, while others are still under construction and in operation only partially. Current status of motorway construction is shown in the following map: